𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝗼𝐫'𝐬 𝐩𝗼𝐯
Already for the past two weeks, Y/n had begun to gain favor and attention, starting with the children of Shumira.

Y/n would host dinners and invite the children, always sure to ask that a room or two be left available so they could all wash up and such.

This was the first time that anyone in like to take over had done something like this, Shumiran's already excited for what was to come of Y/n.

But as she worked to gain trust and take care of what was important, Ambessa was taking her absence a little hard.

It was exactly what Y/n said, Ambessa's father introducing her to a man who she would later kill after having Mel.

She didn't mind having fun with him, she needed a distraction from the pain, even if it had worsened it.

But there was no time for the Madarda to worry about how much she missed Y/n, or how much she wished for it all to be a dream so she could wake up with Y/n by her side. Ambessa had business to handle.

𝐘/𝐧'𝐬 𝐩𝗼𝐯
"Wow, it's only been a few weeks and Shurima already seems a little livelier," Karissa appeared as I sat at my vanity.

"That's good, it's fun seeing everyone happy again," I say while glancing out of the window to see kids playing around, and the market seemed to be a little more bustling than usual as well.

It was like my return had revived the land but I wasn't done yet and I wouldn't be for a while until we're back to being a true empire.

Anyway, I was going to have a meeting with an old shaman, a man named Nahshon, who was our oldest Shaman to date.

Nahshon was to explain the trial to me and give me an idea of what to expect, and he was supposed to give me something as well.

Since it was an important matter I had worn some nice attire, wanting to present myself well.

Once ready I already knew it would be just Karissa and whoever else following along, my parents were not particularly close to me despite belief, so they'd be sitting out on this visit.

It did hurt a little, especially as they'd still hold me to a certain standard which made it clear that I was no daughter, but someone who would soon offer them plenty of opportunity and promise.

I wasn't upset though, I understood their motives and from time to time Mother would show me a sign that she truly did care, so there was no need for me to be worked up.

Anyways Nahshon had us meet in his own sacred space, so with Chaya waiting outside, we made our way over, Keres, for some reason tagging along.

"You sure you can handle this? This trial isn't a cakewalk," Keres spoke, trying to intimidate me.

"I know I can, so don't worry that pretty little head," I grinned at the man, seeing him give me a look of disgust before rolling his eyes.

"I can't wait for you to die out there so I can have the throne," "and destroy Shurima? How noble," Karissa spoke up, her brother seeming a bit hurt over that.

After some bickering and making it to a more secluded and darker part of the outskirts of Shurima's capitol, we were finally at Nahshon's entrance.

"We'll be back soon okay? Won't be long," I reassured Chaya who nodded along, leaning into my touch before I headed over to the front door with the other two.

Just before any of us could try knocking, the door had swung open to reveal Nahshon himself.
Nahshon

For someone to be the oldest Shaman, he stood tall at a very close 7 ft, a pipe in hand that he took several puffs from, still seeming relaxed and composed.

"Wow, you truly are Inti's chosen one," the man spoke while placing a hand on my face, seeming to inspect me, even having me lift my arms and spin.

"A true Shuriman beauty, *chuckle* you'll do just fine in the trial," the man grinned down at me, his words meaning a lot to me.

"Thank you," "Of course, now come in," and now we had walked into his space, seeing all sorts of jars and scrolls decorating the walls, old talismans on display and so much more.

Nahshon had almost everything and more, and I was even surprised to see a few champions on display as well, hoping to one day be one of them as empress.

But now we were seated on some floor pillows, Karissa and Kere sitting just a little behind me, all of us keeping quiet to stay respectful.

"Here, it'll help you relax," Nahshon offered, giving me some tea "Thank you," I thanked, taking a slow and cautious sip, the tea had a weird taste, but it wasn't too bad.

"Mhm, anyways let's get to business about this trial, To be honest, you'll wish to be dead at some point if it."

'Well, shit,'

"But I can see now that you're too strong to allow your end to come so early. For the trial you'll be given sacred attire and such, along with weapons of your choice," the man began, this stuff sort of already expected.

"Once you're ready, I will be leading a ritual to send you to the dimension of the trial. This dimension is a desert jungle world, there are many plants and animals there that will try to kill you before you can even realize you're there, and believe me, there have been some who've died that quickly."

Now I knew I wouldn't die that quickly, but knowing that there have been people who did, it made me realize how brutal the dimension is.

"You'll be in three battles for the trial, and all three you'll have a key to take for your return. You'll also be sent with a book of plants and animals to sustain yourself. But don't let the time get to you, you should know it's slow, but no matter what you should be trying to complete it as fast as you can".

"What do I do with all of the keys?" I questioned "You'll know once you have them. But I'll be aware of you're every move, so once you're back, I and all of Shurima will be here to welcome you," "If she makes it back," Kere spoke under his breath.

It was clear Nahshon heard Kere because he had chuckled to himself before looking over at the man.

"Ah yes, a man who has never gotten his hands dirty by blood knows best, right?" Nahshon asked, almost making me choke on my tea from laughing, Kere not appreciating the words.

"So? I'm sure she has never even seen a battlefield," "I've fought in battle a few times. How else would I have these scars," I asked, moving the deep cut of my dress to show the large scars I had sustained, having no problem with anyone seeing my body as Shumira wasn't as conservative as other countries.

"*chuckle* I knew you'd be interesting," Nahshon chuckled before getting up, beginning to rummage around some things, taking stuff out, putting things back, before finally getting back to us.

"Here, make sure she drinks this tea every day leading up to the trial," he advised Karissa before turning to me.

"This ring will help you when nobody else can, so try not to lose it," the man explained as I looked at the ring, seeming to just be any old gold ring, but something about it told me otherwise.

By the end of the talk and such, it was nearly late and time to come home.

So naturally we had all gotten up, Nahshon and I still talking as he led us outside.

"Well after the trial, whenever you can or want, you're free to have dinner with us," I offered, seeing the man stop for a moment before having a smile resting on his lips.

"I'll have to take you up on that offer then," Nahshon nodded, lightly patting my shoulder.

"Anyways have a safe trip back, and I'll see you for the trial!"

Once back on Chaya, I felt certain that I'd succeed, even if I were on the brink of death, I knew I'd make it.

꧁꧂
𝐈𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐥
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